We Believe Ohio Clergy Denounce Campaign Tactics Using Religion as a Weapon of Attack

Friday, July 14, 2006

July 14, 2006 (Columbus, Ohio) – We Believe released the following statement today denouncing political campaign tactics using religion as a weapon of attack:

“We believe that religion at its best is a binding force. We believe people of faith are meant to build bridges, not construct barriers. Rather than demonize those with differences, we believe God calls us to unite and heal. Religion should never be used as a political weapon. We denounce all tactics by any party or candidate that uses faith to divide the people of this state.�

www.webelieveohio.org
We are called as people of faith and loyal Americans to be united in dialogue and action to say:
YES to justice for all; NO to prosperity for only a few; YES to diverse religious expression; NO to self-righteous certainty; YES to the common good; NO to discrimination against any of God’s people; YES to the voice of religious traditions informing public policy; NO to crossing the lines that separate the institutions of Religion and Government.
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From: Chairman Bob Bennett [mailto:email@ohiogop.org]
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 12:08 AM
Subject: Forgot to mention

Ted Strickland has no shame.

The ''minister'' who admits he doesn't even attend church is out with a new Christian radio ad, talking up how much those ''biblical principles which have guided and instructed me in the past will continue to sustain me as I serve as Ohio's next governor.''

The fact is Congressman Strickland has a longstanding record of opposition to religious expression. We can't let him get away with this hypocrisy.

Contribute today to the Ohio GOP ''Democrat Reality Check.''

So where does Strickland really stand on religious issues? This is what you probably won't hear on Christian radio anytime soon:

AGAINST a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage.
AGAINST a measure that permitted the public display of the Ten Commandments on government property. (Vote 221 6/17/99)
AGAINST a constitutional amendment to guarantee every citizen's right to pray and express their religious beliefs on public property, including schools. (Vote 201 6/4/98)
AGAINST allowing faith-based organizations to compete for federal housing grants. (Vote 109 4/6/00)
AGAINST allowing government-funded religious organizations to consider religion as a factor in hiring. (Vote 175 5/8/03)
AGAINST an amendment prohibiting the extension of government benefits to unmarried domestic partners. (Vote 352 9/25/01)
AGAINST amendments to require more funding for abstinence education programs. (Vote 157 5/1/03, Vote 379 10/11/01)
AGAINST a law creating criminal penalties for harming an unborn baby during the commission of a crime (now known as Lacy's Law). (Vote 465 9/30/99, Vote 89 4/26/01, Vote 31 2/26/04)
FOR taxpayer-funded abortions and the taxpayer-funded development of an abortion pill. (Vote 136, 5/10/06-Vote 216, 5/25/05-Vote 362, 7/15/03-Vote 115, 5/16/01-Vote 292, 7/16/98-Vote 373, 7/10/2000-Vote 173, 6/8/1999-Vote 260, 6/24/1998)
FOR continued funding of the following National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants: "Mood Arousal and Sexual Risk Taking," "Study on Sexual Habits of Older Men," "Study on San Francisco's Asian Prostitutes/Masseuses," and "Study on American Indian Transgender Research." (Vote 352, 7/10/03)
FOR gay civil unions
Let's keep Ted Strickland accountable and expose his deceptive rhetoric and record.

Please contribute today to the Ohio GOP "Democrat Reality Check."

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Ohio Republican Party
211 S. Fifth Street | Columbus, OH 43215 | 614.228.2481

CONTACT: Eric McFadden, (614) 551-8907